Sadness as former WH Smith shop shuts in town

Shoppers have lamented the loss of a shop and adjoining Post Office on its final day of trading.

TG Jones, previously known as WH Smith, has been a fixture of Regent Street in Swindon's town centre for 50 years. It closed its doors for good after a rush of last-minute visits by shoppers on Tuesday.

One said the closure "marked a sad day for Swindon" while another expressed "surprise" at the fact it was shutting as it "often seemed busy".

TG Jones is closing dozens of stores across the country "to secure the long-term future" of the company. Meanwhile, the Post Office said the nearest branches for people to send letters and parcels would now be Commercial Road or Victoria Road.

TG Jones took over the WH Smith franchise in June 2025. Just a year later, the company said "challenging retail conditions" had left it with an £8m cash shortfall.

Jennifer and Stuart James travelled from Wroughton to visit TG Jones for the last time.

They bought folders and books as their final purchase from the store.

"I find it a very sad day for Swindon," said Jennifer. "Smiths has been here for a very long time.

"It's so convenient for everything you need. As I say, it's a sad day."

Another shopper, who asked not to be named, said: "It's been here since I was a child.

"I remember I got a little tin with a teddy bear on it. I've still got it at home."

Other people from the town expressed "surprise" it needed to close.

"I thought it was quite a popular shop," said one.

Chairman of Old Town Business Association Kris Talikowski told BBC Radio Wiltshire that Swindon losing big names including WH Smith, Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser had "created a difficult challenge" for the town.

"The reputation of an area like Swindon is based on how people view the town centre," he said.

A Post Office spokesperson said a vacancy has been advertised in the town centre.

Interested retailers were being checked for their "suitability", the spokesperson said.

"I am really keen that the Post Office service is found in another town centre location," Talikowski said.

"It is such a vital lifeline for residents."

TG Jones has been contacted for comment.

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